Celebrities & Politicians React to Jimmy Kimmel's Comeback

Television By TooFab Staff | 9/24/2025 8:31 AM PT

ABC

Following a monologue in which Kimmel got emotional as he clarified his comments about Charlie Kirk, praised the activists's wife Erika and slammed Donald Trump and the FCC, stars and media figures on both sides of the aisle -- including Jennifer Aniston, Megyn Kelly and fellow late night hosts -- reacted on social media.

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Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos addressed Jimmy Kimmel on Live with Kelly & Mark. The couple acknowledged they don't typically speak about politics on their show, but felt the need to say something. Consuelos lead their statements, explaining, "We know him [Jimmy Kimmel] personally and when I tell you he’s one of the kindest, most generous people that I know. Cares about his family, takes care of his crew, his staff, everybody. He really, really cares. And his statements last night, I think, were on point. He understands both sides, he was very humble in his speech." He furthered with their belief in the First Amendment "because you never know — we can say something crazy and tomorrow we’re gone." They also acknowledged that they are also an ABC/Disney show and applauded the company for doing the right thing.

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Glen Powell shared his thoughts on being Jimmy Kimmel's first guest since his suspension. After sharing a hug with the late night host, the actor said, "I'm honored - I'm just so happy you're back." Powell also shared a sweet story on how Kimmel helped him out when he first moved to LA. Kimmel used to let Powell into his green room to stock up on food when he couldn't afford groceries: "So when you can't afford snacks or alcohol, I could always come to the Jimmy Kimmel show and have my feast." Kimmel laughed and replied with, "Would it be possible when you retell this story that you would say, in a way, I saved your life?"

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Dave Bautista commented on an Instagram post showing Jimmy Kimmel back in studio before his monologue

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Lukas Gage commented on Variety's post sharing Jimmy Kimmel's monologue.

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Walton Goggins commented on Variety's Instagram post sharing Kimmel's monologue.

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Don Lemon shared his thoughts on Jimmy Kimmel's monologue in an Instagram Reel. He told the camera, "It was fantastic. I think he was right on. He hit the right tone, and that's a pro and a real professional. And for all those people who were cheering for him to be fired or suspended, um, shame on you. And all the folks like Donald Trump, Brendan Carr, Nextstar, Sinclair, you guys should be ashamed of yourselves. You don't believe in the First Amendment. You don't believe in Freedom of Speech at all, and behavior like that is not only unpatriotic, it is unchristian like, ungod like. So, so much for calling yourself Christian and, and a patriot, when you don't even believe in The Constitution. Shame on you. Nice job, Jimmy."

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Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Turning Point USA

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"Dear Jimmy Kimmel, In your semi-apology tonight, you LIED AGAIN. You were not making “light” of Mr. Kirk’s death. The suspension you justly received last week was for FALSELY ACCUSING, MAGA and Republicans “one of their own” you said, for the murder of our friend Charlie Kirk when it was in fact just another in the long line of Murderous Leftist Lunatics who killed Charlie, who get their inspiration to kill from YOUR DANGEROUS LEFTIST RHETORIC. You and your other Late Night Host’s and the other illiberal media’s constant propagandizing and demonizing fellow Americans as fascists and Nazis have created the atmosphere where Leftists feel that killing people who think differently is justified. And you were NOT even telling it in the form of joke either. You liar. Even your own ABC affiliates are bored and sickened by your constant political indoctrination by comedic imposition and refuse to air your show. Free Speech is indeed all speech. We must even protect the speech that we loathe. Well, most Americans are decent God fearing people and we loathe your speech but will continue to support your right to speak it freely. But we don’t have to watch. And we won’t. Signed, America" - Rob Schneider via X

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Truth Social

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Judd Apatow

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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert commented on an Instagram post showing Jimmy Kimmel back in studio before his monologue

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Bobby Berk commented on an Instagram post showing Jimmy Kimmel back in studio before his monologue

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Elizabeth Perkins commented on an Instagram post showing Jimmy Kimmel back in studio before his monologue

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Michelle Visage commented on an Instagram post showing Jimmy Kimmel back in studio before his monologue

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Jamie Foxx commented on an Instagram post showing Jimmy Kimmel back in studio before his monologue

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Walton Goggins commented on an Instagram post showing Jimmy Kimmel back in studio before his monologue

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Melanie Griffith commented on an Instagram post showing Jimmy Kimmel back in studio before his monologue

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Dana De Lorenzo commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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Lauren Paul commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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Kelly Rizzo commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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Eiza Gonzalez commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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Chris Daughtry commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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Chris Reddis commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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Monica Lewinsky commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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June Ambrose commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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Yvette Nicole Brown commented on an Instagram post of Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue

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Roseanne Barr reacted to the initial announcement that Jimmy Kimmel is returning, calling it a double standard. She told NewsNation, "It just shows how they think. I got my whole life ruined, no forgiveness, all of my work stolen, and called a racist for time and eternity, for racially misgendering someone." She also brought up her own personal conflict with him, explaining, "[Kimmel] called me a racist even though I said repeatedly, which they repeatedly censored, that it was a mistake. I thought that the woman was a white woman from Iran. [...] even though he himself appeared in blackface on their network many times."

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Celebrities & Politicians React to Jimmy Kimmel's Comeback

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